General Guidelines for Managing AIDS

If you are infected with HIV, your immune system may not be able to fight off other infections. Suggestions to lower your risk of infections and to keep your immune system as healthy as possible include:

Wash your hands
often and always after using the bathroom and before preparing food.

Improve your coping strategies for dealing with the physical symptoms of AIDS

Help you tell your family and friends that you have HIV infection

Assist you in dealing with the stress and anger that often accompanies diagnosis of HIV infection

Help you deal with losses associated with the disease, such as the inability to work and dependence on others for housekeeping or personal care

Cognitive behavioral therapy
(CBT) is a form of counseling that focuses on how your thoughts affect the way you feel and act. CBT can help relieve stress, diminish feelings of anger, and improve symptoms of
depression
and
anxiety
.

In addition, you may find benefit from attending
support groups
. Other types of therapy, like art therapy, may also be helpful.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Contact your doctor if you notice new or worsening health problems or symptoms.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

A guide to primary care of people with HIV/AIDS. National Institute of Health and Human Services website. Available at:
http://hab.hrsa.gov/deliverhivaidscare/files/primary2004ed.pdf. Accessed May 15, 2013.

HIV/AIDS. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease website. Available at:
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/HIVAIDS/Understanding/Pages/whatAreHIVAIDS.aspx. Accessed May 15, 2013.

HIV/AIDS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html. Accessed May 15, 2013.